The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Captain (Field Artillery) William Edward Hingston, Jr. (ASN: 0-98760), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight. Captain Hingston distinguished himself by heroism in action on 18 September 1966, while serving as section leader of a flight of two aerial rocket artillery helicopters, during a combat extraction mission in the Republic of Vietnam. When one of the troop lift helicopters Captain Hingston’s flight was covering reported receiving enemy automatic weapons fire from one side of the landing zone, Captain Hingston, aware that three helicopters had been shot down in that location, voluntarily flew a low reconnaissance over the suspected area. As he began his low pass, his aircraft was taken under intense fire from several enemy positions, wounding the pilot and destroying the aircraft radio system. Captain Hingston took control of the helicopter and immediately engaged one of the hostile weapons positions, destroying it. He continued to display extraordinary flying ability and determination by repeatedly engaging targets until his rocket system malfunctioned. As a direct result of Captain Hingston’s courageous action, an enemy weapons position was destroyed, enemy activity in the area was discouraged, and a damaged aircraft was returned safely to base. Captain Hingston’s courage and determination under fire stand in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.